Safe Internet Use Tips

Browsing the web is an important aspect of everyone’s life. Web browsing comes with a lot of responsibility. There is a huge difference between public and private browsing. Public browsing does not guarantee any security at all whereas private browsing can have its own benefits as related to privacy and security. Private browsing has been in existence since 2005. Initially, it took time to adapt to every browser to enable its functions. Gradually it became the most sought after form of browsing that allows people to not leave a trace of their search history, passwords, and other private information. Google Chrome refers to its private browsing mode as “Incognito Mode.”

Cyber security is the most important aspect to delve upon today if you use public WiFi networks for anything from social media to email. Connecting to WiFi in a public place can result in hacking. Yes, most public places that offer free WiFi do not secure their network connection. The next thing you know is that someone has tried to hack into your account. One must be very careful while trying to connect to a public network.

A home wireless network means connecting an internet access point, such as a cable from your internet Service Provider, to a (wireless) router in order to allow multiple devices to connect to that network very quickly. But certain steps must be taken to secure it from cyber criminals who can hack your private network. The first and foremost thing to do on a home network is to set up a password that is unique and strong with at least 20 characters. The password that includes numbers, alphabets and symbols will make a strong password that will not be easy for any hacker to crack.

HTTPS or Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure is a protocol where the data is sent to the browser and the website. It is the secured form of HTTP where the letter “S” is the added addition that symbolizes Secure. Data sent over the HTTPS is secured which means that the communication is encrypted between the browser and the website. This is the main reason why online transactions always choose the HTTPS connection. HTTP connection does not encrypt any communication and can be easily read by the hackers.

Network encryption is another aspect that helps to improve WiFi security. Since wireless network uses multiple encryption languages, it is recommended to enable such encryption to safeguard the network connection. WPA2 AES is considered to be the best encryption setting among all others. Disabling the network connection when not in use for a long time will keep the hackers away from exploiting sensitive data and information. This is another way to stay safe on the internet for safe browsing.

The physical positioning of your router helps in keeping such malicious hackers at bay. Placing the router near the window will enable others to get hold of your connection and if it is not secured, then a whole lot of activity might take place. Placing the router somewhere in the middle of the house is more beneficial as this will give access to the internet in all the rooms with little or no chance of connection available in its vicinity.

Keeping the router’s software updated helps immensely. Most routers do not auto update their own firmware. Thus, it is very important for the user to keep an eye as to when the software must be updated. The firmware of a router contains flaws which a hacker can get through easily. Using custom firmware gives better security than factory firmware.

A firewall is a network security device. Installing a firewall can be of great advantage in securing the WiFi network. Firewalls come both in the software and hardware variety. Both the forms have equal functions, except that the hardware firewall contains one extra security layer which is an added advantage. Therefore, the hardware variety is recommended for routers to help prevent any kind of malicious activity from the other end.

Devices that are connected to the wireless network must be updated on a regular basis. By doing so, the security holes block criminals to get through. Updating the most recent software and applying the latest security patches ensure that your wireless network is secured from the prying eyes.

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